Siaya Governor James Orengo has vehemently criticized the idea of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party joining President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Orengo described the potential alliance as a “disaster” and an “abomination” that “cannot work”.
Orengo’s remarks come amid emerging divisions within ODM over party leader Raila Odinga’s proposals for a national dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza government on the formation of a broad-based administration.
The governor emphasized the need to prioritize justice for families affected by recent protests, stating that this should take precedence over political maneuvering for positions.
Speaking at the burial of a 25-year-old protester killed during the anti-government demonstrations, Orengo said, “Putting aside my position as the governor, justice must be done. We must deal with the injustices now and not tomorrow.”
The governor further reiterated his support for Raila Odinga and warned those considering joining the Kenya Kwanza administration, stating, “I am urging everybody that joining the Kenya Kwanza administration they are getting into a disaster and abomination it cannot work.”
Orengo’s remarks come after Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga noted that the ongoing calls for President Ruto’s resignation could trigger a resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government and plunge the country into unprecedented instability.
Oburu also said that ODM is ready to engage in national dialogue and support Ruto’s plan for a broad-based political arrangement.
However, on Friday, some Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders, including Wiper Democratic Movement, Jubilee Party, DAP-Kenya Party, Party of National Unity (PNU), and Narc-Kenya, reaffirmed their decision not to be part of the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity, which they described as a “betrayal of the Kenyan people, particularly Gen Z and millennials.”
